We represented support for the mineral withdrawal from a local political, conservation, hunting, fishing, and business perspective. We met with U.S. Department of Agriculture Acting Deputy Undersecretary, U.S. Forest Service Acting Chief, Minerals Director, Bureau of Land Management Acting Director, Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, the Department of Interior’s Assistant Secretary of Lands and Minerals, and Congressman Dan Newhouse.

Our message was simple: everyone supports this mineral withdrawal including all levels of politicians from Mayors, to County Commissioners, to both Washington Senators and local U.S. Representative Newhouse.

We pressed the message that this watershed already has an “industry” and is a “factory” producing cold, clean water for salmon, steelhead and bull trout, and critical habitat for mule deer migrating to and from winter and summer ranges, not to mention local agriculture and farming.

We explained the millions of dollars already invested in salmon recovery in the watershed as well as many miles downstream that depend on the water coming from the Methow headwaters. And the millions of dollars from tourism and local business already tied to hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, ski touring, and outdoor recreation that doesn’t need mining to flourish.

While we were encouraged by what we heard and the local support this initiative maintains, the work will continue to achieve a 20-year Administrative Withdrawal through the Forest Service and BLM, and a permanent legislative withdrawal through Congress. Onward!